Page 58 of The Seaside Supper Club

Linda and the others all knew, and it wasn’t exactly a secret, so she explained, ‘My partner, Will, has been diagnosed with cancer. He’s had surgery just a week ago, to remove his prostate.’

‘Oh, lovey. I’m so sorry to hear that. And I know just how you feel.’ Julie placed a hand gently on Cath’s shoulder, the gesture filled with kindness. ‘My husband, Simon, went through the same. It was such a difficult time. He’s right as rain now, though.’ She gave a smile filled with hope and encouragement. ‘But going through all that, it’s not easy. I’m sorry for putting even more pressure on you, just then. Hey, are you sure you’re still okay for this tea party? We can postpone, or cancel.’

Cath glanced back to the room where several of the residents were listening in, their wonderfully aged faces filled with anticipation. ‘Not a chance! We can’t let these guys down.’

And her elderly friends were smiling and nodding with relief at her response.

‘That’s the way, pet,’ called out Reggie.

‘Oh, it’ll be so lovely,’ from Vera.

‘I love a bit of tea and cake, me,’ added Betty.

A chorus of vigorous support for the afternoon tea rang out from the day room residents.

Reggie then added caringly, ‘But only if you’re sure it won’t be too much for you, pet.’

‘It won’t.’ Cath was adamant. ‘It’s several weeks away yet. And I think this might be just the tonic we’ll need to get ourselves going again, something to plan and look forward to.’ Though, she’d personally make sure that Will didn’t take on too much of the physical work involved that day.

‘Thank you so much, Cath.’ Julie walked with her out through reception. ‘It would have been a disappointment for them if it had to be put off. But if anything changes, or I can do anything to help you, in any way, not just about the function, please let me know.’

‘Thank you. I appreciate that.’

As Cath left the home, her step felt a little lighter. Her heart had been lifted, surrounded by the love and support in that day room. Her visits were meant to be helping the elderly by chatting and cheering them up, she mused. But today, when she’d needed it most, they’d done exactly that for her.

Chapter 24

Back at the ranch – aka Will’s house – later the same day, Cath still couldn’t help but feel rather put out. It was lovely that Maddie and Sophie wanted to be there to support their dad, but it was evident that they wanted to take charge, or more exactly, take over; or that’s how it felt to Cath.

Here, where Will was convalescing, wasn’t Cath’s home, and she knew that, but she’d become an integral part of Will’s life these past months. And she’d hoped the girls had come to realise that, too.

It was now Friday, and eight days since Will’s surgery. Cath was there for the afternoon, chatting with him, checking he was comfortable, and generally keeping him company. He seemed to prefer being in his armchair than resting up in bed, though trying to get up and down to the loo still seemed rather difficult for him. It was good to be on hand to help. Cath was more than happy to hang on for a while, and make some supper for them all.

Whilst Will was taking a nap, Cath caught up with his daughters in the kitchen. She’d brought round all the ingredients to make a cottage pie and had left them in the fridge. There was a cool atmosphere as she walked in, their chat pausing instantly.

‘All okay? He’s finding it a bit tough, isn’t he?’

‘Yes. It’s to be expected though,’ said Maddie, who as a nurse, was of course well informed. ‘He’s just gotta take things steady.’

Sophie was merely looking on, and nodding, at that point.

‘Uhm, I was wondering about making us all something for supper,’ Cath ventured.

‘Thanks, but it’s all right.’ Sophie jumped in. ‘I was thinking of ordering some pizza. Something nice and easy. Dad’s favourite pepperoni might perk him up.’

It seemed rather pointed of Cath to now insist on cooking the healthier cottage pie with veggies that she’d planned. Also, one of Will’s favourites.

‘Ah, okay.’ Cath was pretty certain she wasn’t included in these pizza plans, either. There wasn’t a mention of ‘do you want to join us?’ It seemed churlish of her to push to stay. But she felt odd, like she wasn’t part of this support gang. Or perhaps she was tired herself, she reasoned. Her feelings too tender.

‘Thanks, Cath. You’ve been great. But we’ve got this. Dad’s done so much for us, and for Mum too, now it’s our turn. We want to be here for him,’ added Maddie, matter-of-factly.

The sentiment was great, that the girls were there and ready to support their dad, but Cath couldn’t help but feel piqued.

‘Well, I’m happy to help, and if there’s anything at all, please, just say …’ Her words drifted uneasily.

‘Thanks, appreciate that, we’ll let you know if we need anything but we’ve got it all in hand. I am a trained oncology nurse, after all,’ Maddie reminded her.

‘Of course. Well, I’ll get off then. Just wanted to make sure you were all okay. But well, it looks like you’re sorted.’ She was trying so hard to sound upbeat, but she felt like a bloody spare part. ‘Hope he has a good night. I’ll see you all tomorrow.’ She got that in, on purpose. There was no way that she wasn’t going to do her bit and look in on him daily. She wanted to be there for him, too. Perhaps she’d do a kitchen takeover, and make that bloody cottage pie then.